Augmented reality technology shortens aneurysm surgery learning curve for residents.

Objectives: We aimed to prospectively investigate the benefit of using augmented reality (AR) for surgery residents learning aneurysm surgery.

Materials and methods: Eight residents were included, and divided into an AR group and a control group (4 in each group). Both groups were asked to locate an aneurysm with a blue circle on the same screenshot after their viewing of surgery videos from both AR and non-AR tests. Only the AR group was allowed to inspect and manipulate an AR holographic representation of the aneurysm in AR tests. The actual location of the aneurysm was defined by a yellow circle by an attending physician after each test. Localization deviation was determined by the distance between the blue and yellow circle.

Results: Localization deviation was lower in the AR group than in the control group in the last 2 tests (AR Test 2: 2.7 ± 1.0 mm vs. 5.8 ± 4.1 mm, p = 0.01, non-AR Test 2: 2.1 ± 0.8 mm vs. 5.9 ± 5.8 mm, p < 0.001). The mean deviation was lower in non-AR Test 2 as compared to non-AR Test 1 in both groups (AR: p < 0.001, control: p = 0.391). The localization deviation of the AR group decreased from 8.1 ± 3.8 mm in Test 2 to 2.7 ± 1.0 mm in AR Test 2 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: AR technology provides an effective and interactive way for neurosurgery training, and shortens the learning curve for residents in aneurysm surgery.